BVA president challenges assertion on TB strategy
"It is difficult to argue that the continued use of controlled shooting for badger culling is appropriate when another more humane and effective method that has been tried and tested is available."
BVA's president John Blackwell has challenged the assertion by some of its specialist divisions that its position on controlled badger shooting is 'inappropriate'.
The BVA ceased its support for controlled shooting earlier this year when pilot culls failed to demonstrate that the method could be used effectively and humanely.
Some specialist divisions of the BVA argue that pilot culls should continue with a combination of cage trapping, shooting and controlled shooting, and have called the BVA's decision to cease support for controlled shooting 'inappropriate'.
In Veterinary Record (Vol.176 No.23), John writes: "It is difficult to argue that the continued use of controlled shooting for badger culling is appropriate when another more humane and effective method that has been tried and tested is available.
"Of course we recognise that for some of our members our position doesn't go far enough, while for others it goes too far. But the process by which we arrived at the position stands up to scrutiny.
"Our position is therefore wholly appropriate and consistent with our previous statements on badge culling, taking into account the available evidence and the wide range of views expressed by our members."
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
